Patrick Costello (Dublin South Central, Green Party)
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88. To ask the Minister for Health if he will provide details of long-Covid supports for children; his views on whether current supports are sufficient; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51008/22]

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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I am very aware that Long COVID is having a devastating effect on people.

Clinical evidence currently suggests that longer-term effects of COVID19 are felt mostly by adults. The Interim Model of Care being implemented by the HSE aims to ensure a national service to support those needing care. €2.2m was allocated this year and within Estimates 2023, additional funding has been provided which will facilitate an overall investment of €6.6m for the development of Long Covid services.

Thankfully, available international evidence suggests that the majority of children with Long COVID-19 infection have asymptomatic or mild disease, their recovery is quick and the incidence of Long Covid is low. Nevertheless, services are in place to provide care for children who may need it. At present, evidence supports the provision of care to children by their GPs and if necessary, by general paediatricians, working in multi-disciplinary teams.

The National Clinical Programme for Paediatrics and the National Clinical Advisors and Group Leads for children and young people work closely with the HSE Long-Covid team to review evidence and support access to care. In addition, the HSE has commissioned a review from HIQA to assess the latest evidence to further inform development of Long COVID services. 

My Department and the HSE will continue to review evidence, research and data on all aspects of COVID19 including Long COVID, to ensure a national service is in place for those who need it, including children.